Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has praised Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali following their nominations for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards respectively, Footynaija.com reports.
In a recent interview with Footy-Africa, Shorunmu lauded both players for their remarkable consistency and impact at club and national levels, emphasizing that their recognition is well deserved.

“The two players, Osimhen and Nwabali, have both done really well for the country and are doing wonderful work at their respective clubs,” Shorunmu said.
“We’ll leave it open for CAF and the voters to decide. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but what matters most is that they’re both at the top of their game right now, representing Nigeria and their clubs with excellence.
“I wish them all the best ahead of the announcement for both the CAF Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards.”

Osimhen, who currently plies his trade with Galatasaray, enjoyed a phenomenal loan stint in Turkey, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists to propel the Istanbul giants to a domestic double last season.
Nwabali, on the other hand, continued to impress between the sticks for Chippa United and the Nigerian national team, producing a string of commanding performances that have elevated his reputation across the continent.
Osimhen, who claimed the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award in 2023, faces stiff competition from stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, Serhou Guirassy, Frank Anguissa, Denis Bouanga, Fiston Mayele, Pape Matar Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ousmane Lamloui.

Meanwhile, Nwabali will battle it out with top shot-stoppers including Yassine Bounou, Andre Onana, Edouard Mendy, Ronwen Williams, Aymen Dahmen, Ahmed El Shenawy, Munir Mohamedi, Marc Diouf, and Vozinha for the Goalkeeper of the Year title.

















